Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema’s tenure in the Saudi Pro League is becoming intensely tense amid talks of him considering a return to Europe. Benzema who joined the Saudi Pro League for Al Ittihad worth a contract reported to be €100 million per year for three years in 2023 is reported to be making strong links to a European transfer in the January transfer window.
SPL officials are urging the France superstar to stay in the Gulf. His transfer to Al Ittihad followed the signing of many other big names like N’golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota making them one of the strongest squads in the Saudi League. However, the side has been disappointing with their star striker underperforming in the ongoing season. Al Ittihad is currently ranked seventh in the points table.
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Benzema seeks a Loan to Europe just 6 months after joining
Frustrated by his performance in the Gulf, the Real Madrid legend wants to be back in Europe and is rumored to be seeking a loan just 6 months into joining the Saudi League. The Frenchman hasn’t been the same after his transfer from Real Madrid to Al Ittihad last summer. He has shown a tremendous drop in his performance despite scoring in his debut game.
According to football.london, top Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Arsenal are in talks with the former Real Madrid striker over a possible transfer. But the SPL officials are trying hard for Benzema to remain in the league, even if it involves transferring to another SPL club. Manchester United and Lyon have also been reported to link up with the 35-year-old to carry out a loan deal with a huge salary cut.
Benzema has scored 15 goals in 24 appearances across all formats for Al Ittihad. His tenure in Real Madrid has been quite tremendous where he featured in 648 matches scoring 354 goals. The 35-year-old Frenchman announced his retirement from the national side after the 2022 FIFA World Cup having 37 international goals beside his name in 97 appearances.
Benzema will have to face a huge cut in salary to move to Europe in the middle of the season. However, his future is still in talks and the transfer scenario is a bit tense since SPL officials are pushing hard for the Football star to stay even if it means moving to a rival local club.
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